The spider and the fly

The Spider and the Fly... a new interpretation

"Come view my newest cobweb" said the spider to the fly;
"'Tis the Trans Texas Cobweb, come now don't be shy.
The path onto my cobweb is up a winding stair,
And I have many curious things to show when you are there."
"Oh no, no," said the little fly, "for I've often heard folks say,
One can never, ever find exits off your long, wide web way!"

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with flying a crowded sky.
Come cruise instead on my new cobweb" said the spider to the fly.
"I have engineers and financiers, come listen to my spin,
And if you like what I have to say, this cobweb we will begin!"
"Oh no, no," said the little fly, "there's too much here at stake,
The toll you propose I pay, my pocketbook would break.

Said the cunning spider to the fly: "Dear friend, what can I do
To prove just how right this cobweb is for you?
I can offer innovative financing
To build this web tax free, free, free;
"Oh no, no," said the little fly; "kind sir, that cannot be:
I've heard who is paying for your cobweb, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the spider, "you're witty and you're wise;
Cobwebs run by private firms should come as no surprise!
I have maps and facts fresh from TxDOT's shelf;
If you'd step in one moment, dear, you can see them for yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," said the fly, "for what you've had to say,
And, bidding you good night now, I'll call another day."

The spider turned around, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready to dine upon the fly;
Then came out to his door again and merrily did sing:
"Come hither, hither, pretty fly, with pearl and silver wing;
Cobwebs bring development, new jobs, growth and much much more;
There's money to be made here, just think riches galore!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little fly,
Hearing all these glittering promises, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer came,
Thinking only of the wealth she could extract in a new money game,
Thinking only of dollar signs. Poor, foolish thing! at last
Up jumped the cunning spider, and fiercely held her fast;
He dragged her up his winding stair, into the dismal den -
Into his silky TTC trap- but she never came out again!

And now, dear little children, who may this story read,
To glittering, hollow promises I pray you never give heed;
Unto an evil counselor close your heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale of the spider and the fly.